Dumb cane (dieffenbachia) Dieffenbachia seguine
Dumb cane (dieffenbachia) (Dieffenbachia seguine) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Araceae family, native to The Caribbean and northern South America. It grows 60 cm–2 m (24 in–6.6 ft) tall and 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 13 °C (55 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Dumb cane (dieffenbachia) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Dumb cane (dieffenbachia) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–2 m (24 in–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 13 °C (55 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | The Caribbean and northern South America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇵🇭 Philippines |
Is Dumb cane (dieffenbachia) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: all parts, especially stems, sap
Chewing the stem releases calcium oxalate needles and enzymes that make the mouth and throat swell so badly that speech becomes difficult, hence “dumb cane”; dangerous for children and pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Dumb cane (dieffenbachia)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Dumb cane (dieffenbachia)
- How far apart should I plant Dumb cane (dieffenbachia)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Dumb cane (dieffenbachia) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Dumb cane (dieffenbachia) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Dumb cane (dieffenbachia)?
- It tolerates about 13 °C (55 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- Is Dumb cane (dieffenbachia) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Chewing the stem releases calcium oxalate needles and enzymes that make the mouth and throat swell so badly that speech becomes difficult, hence “dumb cane”; dangerous for children and pets.
- What grows well with Dumb cane (dieffenbachia)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Dumb cane (dieffenbachia). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- A cane-stemmed plant with large leaves splashed and speckled cream or white. Wear gloves when cutting it and keep it away from small children and pets.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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